A place to share some reflections on faith, journeys and life in general...

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Clergy Discipline? Remember Cranmer!

It’s not often I find
myself referring to Thomas Cranmer (the Archbishop that is) but, having read
the House of Bishops Pastoral Guidance on Same Sex Marriage, I
found myself rushing to him for guidance and inspiration. It seems to me that their Grace’s need to re-examine the history of the Church
in England. Or have they conveniently forgotten that at a time when the Church demanded celibacy of its
clergy Cranmer, having married his second wife Margaret before he was
consecrated, proceeded to hide her from view when he became Archbishop. Perhaps
the legacy of this founding act of deception and subterfuge has so deeply
entered the psyche of the Church of England that it’s now overlooked. Whatever,
I am surprised the bishop's forgot this precedent when they wrote in their
Pastoral Guidance: 'Nevertheless at ordination clergy undertake to
'accept and minister the discipline of this Church, and respect authority duly
exercised within it.' We urge all clergy to act consistently with that
undertaking'.

Isn't there a saying that what's sauce for the goose is
sauce for the gander....

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About Me

I am a priest, spiritual director and accredited pastoral supervisor (Association of Pastoral Supervisors and Educators - APSE) living in south-east London. I also organise pilgrimages to the Holy Land. You can find out more from my website: www.spiritualdirectioninlondon.org.uk